BHF: Investment must be adequate
Tuesday, 01 Apr 2008 12:42
A national screening programme could help to save lives but only if enough resources are provided, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) has said.
The charity welcomed plans from the government to screen for vascular diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease.
The government estimates that a vascular check programme could save 9,500 heart attacks and strokes each year.
"These risk assessments could really help tackle vascular conditions like stroke and heart disease, but will only work if it is backed up by real investment in the support and treatments required by people identified as being at risk," said BHF medical director Professor Peter Weissberg.
"The big focus must be on reaching those at highest risk, who are often in our most deprived and hard to reach communities."
